PRINT 17

Print 17, hosted by The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing, and Converting Technologies (NPES), was held September 10 – 14, 2017 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

With more than 50 education programs and nearly 500 exhibitors in print and graphic communications technologies, the show brought together the world’s graphic communications industry in the largest print show in North America. This five-day exhibition, themed “Grow YOUR Business” allowed to introduce and demonstrate the newest products and to reach a large interstate audience.

Once again Print 17 provided a wide spectrum of numerous companies and products in the printing field. Attendees had the opportunity to explore several sections, such as press print, software (workflow and design) prepress, mailing and fulfillment, materials matters and workforce solutions. Moreover, there was the possibility to educate yourself at seminars throughout all five days and to build up new business relationships during the show and at the International Networking Reception.

Products and upcoming trends primarily were defined by automation technology. The goal is to be completely autonomous from the first step of production to the very end without the need for manpower and at the same time provide results even faster and cheaper than before. The products presented at the show aimed to help businesses function more easily while saving time, true to the PRINT 17’s motto “Grow Your Business.” What is more, new technologies concerning wide format printing were presented.

Pioneering products leading this trend would be the “direct mail inserting system” by BÖWE SYSTEC, which is able to process #10 and 6x9’’ envelopes at up to 15,000 pieces per hour and Muller Martini’s Finishing 4.0 line-up.

Although there were no Austrian companies exhibiting at this year’s show, it is definitely worth thinking about attending next year’s show. Companies who are considering expanding their business to the US have the opportunity to explore the market, including scouting out potential competitors in this business area. Even just visiting the Print 17 as a regular attendee should be taken into consideration if you are seeking to be an international player in the printing industry, since you have the opportunity to discover the newest trends and technologies first-hand.

Print 17 was a huge success both for customers and exhibitors again this year. Graph Expo 18 is scheduled for September 30 – October 3, again at Chicago’s McCormick Place.